Gallen Welcomes Bircham Return

Youth Development Manager Steve Gallen hailed the arrival of former QPR midfielder Marc Bircham as his assistant.

Taking the time out of a busy pre-season schedule, Gallen praised the work of former youth team coach Keith Ryan who has earned a deserved promotion to Reserve Team Manager.

With regards to the former QPR midfielder Bircham, Gallen was pleased to have another supporter on board, and the players have responded well to his arrival.

'I'm pleased we've got Birchy,' Gallen told QPR.co.uk

'He's got bundles of energy and has a massive passion for the Football Club. He's a QPR fan like myself and I'm really pleased we've got some QPR people on board.

'Birch has been brought up in the finest traditions of QPR. And his experience will be invaluable, especially at an age group where he can influence the players."

He continued: 'He's an honest guy and the young lads are already looking up him, which is excellent.

'He's been on his A license and he's been doing coaching behind the scenes, so it's not totally new to him, and I've got no doubts he'll be absolutely fine.'

Gallen also took the time to outline his focus and what the role of the development officer will entail.

'The main focus is bringing players through for Jim and the First Team backroom staff to look at,' said Gallen.

'I'm speaking regularly to the Manager about the group we've got and those conversations will continue throughout the season.'

The restructuring of the youth system announced last week will not involve Gareth Ainsworth or Steve Brown, the latter of which has not had his termination confirmed since he was removed from the staff list earlier this year.